Podcast
Harsh Truths with Norman Seabrook
Hosted by Podcast WABCRadio · EN
Harsh Truths with Norman Seabrook is a straight-up, no-spin take on public safety, corrections, and the policies driving life in New York City and across the country. Drawing on decades of experience in law enforcement and labor leadership, Seabrook breaks down what is really happening behind the headlines, including ICE and Homeland Security issues, community trust, accountability, and the realities inside jails. The focus is on common sense, clearer communication, and practical solutions that protect communities, respect working people, and hold leadership responsible when the system is failing.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 10: Blue-Collar Workers, Pension Threats, Subway CHAOS, and New York’s Breaking Point
2w ago00:12:03Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norman follows up on his conversation with Bruce Blakeman and digs deeper into what he says is at stake for New York’s blue-collar and municipal workers. He sounds off on pension tiers, contract negotiations, pattern bargaining, sick time, congestion pricing, subway violence, public safety, sales taxes, housing, and the failures of Albany leadership. Norm argues that police, fire, sanitation, correction, teachers, and working families cannot keep being used as the meal on the table, and says New Yorkers need to stand up, speak out, and fight to level the playing field.
Transcribe →Episode 9: Bruce Blakeman On Kathy Hochul, Taxes, Crime, Utility Costs, and New York’s Future
3w ago00:24:11Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norman sits down with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of New York State. Blakeman discusses rising taxes, utility costs, public safety concerns, and policy failures he says are driving residents and businesses out of the state. He also lays out his approach to lowering costs, strengthening law enforcement, supporting working families, and restoring confidence in New York’s future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 8: NYC Crime, Albany Failures, and Elected Officials Dodging Accountability
4w ago00:10:51Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norm calls out New York City and New York State elected officials for failing to address the issues hurting everyday New Yorkers. From crime in the streets and dirty neighborhoods to liquor stores on every corner, Albany’s lack of term limits, and politicians focusing on everything except their own city, Norm says it is time for real accountability. He argues that leaders must stop kicking the can down the road and start protecting children, supporting working families, cleaning up communities, and putting New York first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 7: Timothy Brown Case, EXCESSIVE FORCE Claims, and NYPD Accountability with Paul Townsend
Apr 2100:40:47Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norm breaks down a disturbing NYPD arrest caught on video and the serious questions it raises about use of force, supervision, and accountability. Paul Townsend joins the conversation to analyze the Timothy Brown case, where a mistaken identity arrest escalated into what appears to be excessive force. They walk through what went wrong, how situations like this are supposed to be handled, and where both officers and leadership may have failed. The discussion also dives into potential legal consequences, including internal investigations, state-level decisions, and the likelihood of a federal civil rights lawsuit. From qualified immunity to wrongful arrest claims, Paul explains what comes next and how these cases are evaluated in court. A direct and detailed look at policing, accountability, and the legal system in action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 6: Rikers Island Conditions, Officer Discipline Cases, and Borough Jail Plan with Sarena Townsend
Apr 1501:00:32Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norm sits down with Sarena Townsend to break down the current state of New York City’s correction system and the real issues impacting officers on the ground. They dive into Rikers Island conditions, officer discipline cases, and how internal investigations are being handled, along with the challenges many correction officers face when navigating the system. Sarena shares her perspective from both sides, explaining how cases are built, defended, and where the process often falls short. The conversation also touches on the borough jail plan, staffing concerns, and what needs to change to create a system that works for everyone involved. Straightforward and grounded in real experience, this is a clear look at the reality of justice in New York City today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 5: NYC Is Broken and No One Is Listening with Raul Rivera
Apr 700:58:28Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norman sits down with Raul Rivera to break down the real issues facing New York City. From his frontline advocacy for Taxi and Limousine Commission drivers to his concerns about city leadership, Rivera speaks openly about policies, accountability, and the struggles impacting everyday New Yorkers. This unfiltered conversation dives into driver rights, political decisions, and the broader direction of the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 4: Rising Costs, Failing Leadership, and Policing Breakdown with Corey Pegues
Mar 3100:39:55Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norman sounds the alarm on a city spiraling out of control. From skyrocketing living costs to failed leadership and broken promises, New Yorkers are feeling the pressure like never before. Norman is joined by former NYPD commanding officer Corey Pegues to break down what’s really happening on the streets. They dive into the growing disconnect between communities and police, the dangers facing officers today, and the policies driving crime, instability, and frustration across the city. Plus, a hard look at leadership in New York, the future of policing, public safety concerns, and why everyday citizens must start demanding accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 3: Kathy Hochul Under Fire, Correction Officer Firings, and a System in Crisis
Mar 2400:41:02Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norman sits down with retired Attica correction officer and union leader Rick Harcrow for a blunt conversation about the growing crisis inside New York’s correctional system. They discuss the strike by correction officers, the firing of thousands of officers, the use of the National Guard inside prisons, dangerous staffing shortages, forced overtime, inmate violence, and what they say is a complete failure of leadership from Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration. From Attica to Rikers, this episode takes a hard look at officer safety, prison conditions, broken policy, and what is at stake for correction officers, inmates, families, and voters ahead of the gubernatorial election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 2: Peeling Back the Rikers Island Debate and Jail Reform in New York with Mike Caruso
Mar 1700:33:45Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norm Seabrook takes a deep dive into New York City’s controversial plan to close Rikers Island and replace it with four borough-based jails that could cost taxpayers as much as $16 billion or more. Joined by longtime corrections official Mike Caruso, Norm examines the real costs, the policy decisions behind the plan, and whether rebuilding and reforming Rikers might be a more practical solution. The conversation also explores the breakdown in correctional management over the years, the impact of bail reform and criminal justice policy, and the challenges facing correction officers, inmates, and the city as a whole. Norm also discusses rising violence among young people, the need for stronger community engagement, and why addressing mental health and youth outreach must be part of the conversation about public safety in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 1: Rikers Island Crisis, $4 Billion Jail Plan, and the Future of New York City Corrections
Mar 1000:13:39Tap to summarizeOn this episode, Norm breaks down the growing crisis inside New York City’s jail system and the ongoing debate over closing Rikers Island. Drawing from his firsthand experience working on the island and serving as a correction officers union leader, Norm discusses the violence, mismanagement, and leadership failures that have plagued the facility for years. He questions the city’s plan to spend billions building borough-based jails and argues that those funds could instead be used to address homelessness, housing, and community needs. Norm also delivers a direct message to correction officers about professionalism, discipline, and the importance of maintaining care, custody, and control while avoiding decisions that could cost them their careers. From management failures to potential reforms, Norm lays out what he believes must change to fix New York’s corrections system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →